Accepted Answer

Hello XXXXXXXXX,

This is Dr. Christian. There are a few things that could be causing the cough.

1. Infection- bacteria, fungus or viruses can cause pneumonia or infections of the trachea and cause cough. Medications can be used to treat the bacteria and fungal infections but require some testing, usually x-rays maybe bloodwork, to diagnose.
2. Heartworms can definitely cause a cough because they clog up the heart and the blood vessels from the heart to the lungs. It's treatable and requires blood tests to diagnose.
3. Heart disease- A dog with a poorly functioning heart will have difficult breathing, coughing and lethargy. Diagnosis requires x-rays and maybe an ultrasound or ECG. Medications can be given to relieve the symptoms but the heart condition itself cannot be reversed.
4. Cancer of the lungs or in the chest could also cause the cough. This usually requires x-rays and possibly biopsies.
5. Bleeding in to the lungs from rat poisoning or other blood clotting abnormalities (liver disease for instance) can cause a cough and breathing difficulty.

If he is really struggling to breathe, has a bluish tinge or pale color to his gums, or can't walk because he is too weak then I would get him to a vet tonight because that is an emergency situation. A fan set on low aimed at his nose may help his breathing somewhat. You can check his rectal temperature with a rectal thermometer and vaseline. It should be between 101 and 102.5. If it is over 103 then I would take him in tonight. Either way I would recommend a vet visit. A heartworm test and possibly x-rays would be the starting point to determining the cause and then an appropriate treatment plan can be determined. If you have more questions let me know.

Expert:	Christian K.
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	2/5/2009

Veterinarian

12 years of veterinary experience in medicine, surgery and behavior with exotics,canines and felines